Monthly Edition: Rest

Regulated, Resourced, and Renewed

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“It takes courage to rest in the midst of an outcome-driven society. It takes strength to walk away from good in the pursuit of better.”

― Saundra Dalton-Smith

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Rest. When you hear that word, what comes to mind? Do you imagine sleeping, lounging on the couch, or taking a break from a taxing task?

Rest isn’t just about ceasing activity, nor is it reserved for the physical act of sleeping. True rest is restorative. This isn’t something that some of us need, and others can ignore. Rest is a rhythm of nature, and it is necessary for our well-being.

The restoration process brings renewal, replenishing our dwindling energy and filling us with the nourishment we need to bloom. It helps us move past simply surviving to a place of thriving.

There are many different kinds of rest. In her book, Sacred Rest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith presents seven different types: physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual. When we learn to engage in these various kinds of rest, we bring greater balance to our lives.

As we come to embrace rest as renewal, restoration, regulation, and a way to recharge, we become more equipped to face what comes our way with strength.

We are still in the midst of winter in the northern hemisphere. While we dream of springtime and its life-giving energy, let’s not overlook the gift of slowing down. The earth is resting, and so should we. If we don’t want to burnout, we have to take good care of ourselves and to do that, we need to prioritize rhythms of rest in our lives.

In the coming weeks, we will explore the different types of rest and how we can incorporate well-rounded care in these areas that go beyond the mere quality of our sleep.

Benefits of Prioritizing Rest include:

• Reduced Stress

• Improved Mental Clarity (focus and cognitive function)

• Greater Self-Awareness (deeper understanding of needs and how to better support your whole self)

• Emotional Balance (bringing regulation to your emotions)

• Increased Resilience

• Burnout Prevention

With simple, small steps, we can bring intention to the areas that need our attention. Little acts of restful care are as important as larger ones. The more we fill our cups from the reservoir of rest, even with little amounts along the way, the more we protect ourselves from running dry.

How readily do you rest when you need it?

What kinds of restful practices are already a part of your routine?

Is there an area of your life—physical, emotional, spiritual, social, sensory, creative, or mental—where you feel depleted?

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Take good care, and I will see you here on Monday.